This is something new that I’m going to try for this season. I am going to break down each division in the NFL and give my predictions for each team. It’s always fun to do beginning of the season predictions not only to see how well you predicted things, but to see how things can change over the course of the season. In this article I will highlight each team in the AFC North, give my predictions for the season and give one player who I think could be the difference maker for each team. It’s going to be another interesting season and I think the AFC will especially be interesting. There were some new QBs added to the mix and competition will be stiff. I guess I won’t waste any more time, so I’ll just dive right in. Here’s my AFC North Preview.

1: Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)

I think the Bengals will once again, be the Kings of the Jungle in the AFC North. Last season was one of destiny, but ultimately came up short against the Rams in the Super Bowl. There were concerns about a month ago with Joe Burrow having to undergo an emergency appendectomy. It appears that he’ll be good to go for the start of the season though. They added some much-needed O-Linemen this offseason and that was really their biggest concern going into this season. Their defense should be solid, and we know what their offense can do with Burrow, Chase, Mixon, and Higgins. I don’t think the Bengals will reach the Super Bowl again, but I wouldn't rule it out either. They will be a scary team in December and January.

Difference Maker: LB, Akeem Davis-Gaither

This one is flying a little under the radar, but I think this linebacker will make the most of his opportunities this season. He’s expected to have an increased role and he will be a starter coming out of the preseason. Look for this former App State Mountaineer to play a big part in the Bengals 2022 success.

2: Baltimore Ravens (10-7)

My prediction is that the Ravens will tie, but ultimately lose out on the tiebreaking division win due to the final game of the season against the Bengals on the road. I expect Baltimore to be a much, much tougher team this year if they can have a somewhat healthy season. For a lot of football teams, the overall health of the players is the most important part of success and the Ravens desperately need a healthy season. To say they were injury-riddled in 2021 is an understatement. They started their regular season with their top 2 RB shelved for significant time and Lamar was doing everything he could, but it just wasn’t enough. This season, WR is the biggest concern for the Ravens. Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay will be called upon to step up this season and we’ll see if they’re up for the challenge. Also, with Lamar Jackson in a contract dispute, it will be interesting to see how that plays out through the season. They will have a tough defense, but their passing offense is the biggest question mark.

Difference Maker: WR, Rashod Bateman

He showed flashes last season, but he has no choice but to step up this season. He is WR1. The 2021 First Round pick will have a lot of opportunities to show off his talent and it will be interesting to see how much he improves. The Ravens decided not to replace Sammy Watkins and Hollywood Brown this offseason, so we shall see if the gamble pays off.

3: Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)

The Steelers haven’t had a losing season since 2003, but I think that streak comes to an end this season. It feels weird, but things will be different in Pittsburgh this year. Ben Roethlisberger has been their QB since 2004 and you can't just replace someone of his caliber in one season. Mitch Trubisky will lead the Steelers to start the season, but things could change. They drafted Kenny Pickett in the 1st Round and eventually, this will be his team, but not yet. They strengthened their defense and I think they will have the best defense this season when it’s all said and done. The Steelers have a really good team, but it will ultimately come down to QB play. Can Mitch be the guy to maintain order? Is Pickett ready if Mitch doesn’t perform? I think they have the talent to win the divisions, but we’ll find out some answers as the season progress. For now though, I’ll be safe and predict a slight losing season for them.

Difference Maker: LB, Alex Highsmith

I had to give some love to the fellow Charlotte 49er. I think this will be a breakout season for him. Mike Tomlin has done nothing but give praise to Highsmith ever since he drafted him, and I think he will have plenty of opportunities to shine. It’s also cool to see two former Charlotte 49ers on the same team this season with the Steelers addition of Larry Ogunjobi. Both will be impact players for the Steel Curtain this year.

4: Cleveland Browns (5-12)

The Browns have definitely been the most newsworthy team in the AFC North this offseason, but will it translate to success in 2022? I don’t think so. The addition of Deshaun Watson will not have much effect on the Browns this season as he will only be available for 6 games and in those 6 games, they have 3 matchups with tough division opponents. It’s possible that they can manage with Jacoby Brissett, but I’m not willing to make that bet. Their run game will be great, but they can't rely too much on them. They also added Amari Cooper this offseason and he will be WR1. Cooper hasn’t had a ton of success as a WR1. In Oakland and in Dallas both, he was the guy, but it never really felt like he was “the guy”. Expect more of the same with the Browns. Their defense will be decent and when you have Myles Garrett on your side you can feel pretty safe, but I think there are just too many concerns in that offense and I don’t think the Deshaun Watson gamble will be worth it in the end. On paper, their team doesn’t look good and I don’t think they’ll have the talent to maintain success for the whole season.

Difference Maker: QB, Deshaun Watson

I can't not put Deshaun Watson here. He could be the biggest difference maker this season. This will all depend on how well the Browns do in his absence. I did say that I don’t think the gamble will be worth it in the end, but that isn't to say that Watson isn't talented. He’s an incredible player if they can get the same version from what he was in Houston. With that being said, they gave up a lot for him. Three First Rounders, 2 Second Rounders and a Third Rounder and they’re paying him $46 Million a year. That’s why I think it won’t be worth it in the end. He could be the difference in the making the playoffs or not, but I don’t think they will perform well enough to be in that discussion when he comes back.

Yacs

2022 AFC North Preview